Table of Contents

1. Overview

Food truck business in Dubai is a popular, flexible way to enter the food and beverage industry. Dubai’s strong tourism, outdoor culture, events, and food-loving population make it an ideal place to launch.
However, running a food truck requires the right business structure, trade license, food safety approvals, vehicle compliance, and location permissions.

2. Why Dubai is a great place for food trucks

Dubai offers:

  • High tourist volume
  • Vibrant food and lifestyle culture
  • Dedicated food truck zones
  • Events and weekend markets
  • Strong support for new F&B concepts
  • Families, residents, and office-goers looking for on-the-go food options

Dubai’s lifestyle and tourism platforms highlight food trucks as a key part of the city’s modern dining experience.

3. Choose your business structure

Before applying for any permit, decide how your company will be registered:

  • Mainland company (LLC): Allows operation across Dubai and in most public areas.
  • Free zone company: Suitable if you prefer simplified incorporation, but you may need additional approvals to operate off free zone premises.
  • Sole establishment: Allowed for individuals of permitted nationalities.

Choose based on where you want to operate, visa requirements, and long-term expansion.

4. Register your trade name

Your business name must follow Dubai Economy & Tourism (DET) guidelines:

  • No offensive or religious terms
  • Must match the nature of the activity
  • Avoid country names or political references
  • Must be unique and available

Once approved, you receive a trade name registration certificate.

5. Documents Required

Most food truck licence applications require:

  • Passport copy and visa copy
  • Emirates ID (if applicable)
  • Trade name reservation
  • Initial approval application
  • Business plan and menu
  • Truck layout / kitchen layout
  • Food safety plan (HACCP or equivalent)
  • Staff training certificates
  • NOC if the business owner is under a sponsor
  • Location approval letters (if already selected)

No tenancy contract (Ejari) is needed during the first year.

6. Licences and approvals needed

To legally operate a food truck in Dubai, you must obtain:

1. Trade License

From Dubai Economy & Tourism (DET) or the respective free zone.

2. Dubai Municipality Food Truck Permit

This includes:

  • Food safety approval
  • Menu approval
  • Kitchen layout and equipment approval
  • Hygiene and operating procedures review

Dubai Municipality provides detailed rules for food establishments, including mobile vendors.

3. Staff Health Cards

All food-handling staff must have valid health cards showing food-handler training.

4. Location Approval

Each operating spot, whether a beach, food truck park, event space, or private land, requires formal permission.

7. Vehicle, kitchen & RTA-related approvals

Even though you operate from a truck, many processes require a central kitchen (base kitchen) that is approved by Dubai Municipality.

  • Approval of the truck structure, ventilation, flooring, and layout
  • Fire-safety compliance (fire extinguishers, suppression systems)
  • Proper electrical and gas connections
  • Food storage and temperature-control systems
  • Compliance with road and vehicle regulations applicable to commercial or modified vehicles

Some trucks may require approval from relevant road/transport authorities depending on modification level.

8. Base kitchen requirements

Even though you operate from a truck, many processes require a central kitchen (base kitchen) that is approved by Dubai Municipality.

A base kitchen may be used for:

  • Storage of raw items
  • Preparation that cannot be done inside the truck
  • Washing and cleaning
  • Safe storage and waste handling

You can either:

  • Rent a space in a shared/commissary kitchen, or
  • Build your own licensed kitchen facility

9. Best locations for food trucks in Dubai

Approved and popular areas include:

  • Kite Beach
  • JBR and Dubai Marina
  • Ripe Market
  • Alserkal Avenue
  • Last Exit truck hub
  • Corporate parks
  • Malls and outdoor promenades
  • Schools, universities, and sports complexes (with permission)
  • Festivals, exhibitions, and private events

Dubai tourism sources highlight these zones as high-potential areas for food trucks.

10. Waste Management Rules

Dubai Municipality requires food trucks to:

  • Use proper waste bins with lids
  • Separate food waste from general waste
  • Dispose of oil and grease through approved vendors
  • Keep wastewater tanks sealed and emptied responsibly
  • Maintain cleanliness around the truck and serving area

Environmental hygiene is a key inspection point.

11. Banking, POS & financial setup

After obtaining your trade license:

  • Open a corporate bank account
  • Set up a POS system or digital payment gateway
  • Use cloud-based billing for tracking sales
  • Maintain proper accounting records for audits and VAT compliance

Digital payments improve customer trust and service speed.

12. Marketing strategies for your food truck
  • Announce your daily location on social media
  • Share photos, time-lapse cooking, and behind-the-scenes prep
  • Collaborate with micro-influencers and food bloggers
  • Get listed on Google Business Profile
  • Run location-based ads to reach nearby audiences
  • Join community markets and seasonal events
  • Encourage customers to leave reviews and tag your page

A strong social media presence is essential for food trucks in Dubai.

13. Daily Operations Checklist
  • Clean and sanitize surfaces before opening
  • Check food temperatures and equipment
  • Refill ingredients & packaging
  • Inspect fire-safety equipment
  • Test POS and online payment systems
  • Post your day’s location
  • Manage waste disposal
  • End the day with deep cleaning and stock review

14. Startup Checklist
  • Choose business structure (Mainland/Free Zone)
  • Register trade name
  • Prepare business plan & menu
  • Apply for trade license
  • Submit Dubai Municipality food approvals
  • Design truck layout & get approval
  • Set up base kitchen or commissary
  • Train staff & obtain health cards
  • Get vehicle and fire-safety approvals
  • Apply for location permissions
  • Set up bank account & POS
  • Launch soft opening and collect feedback

15. Final Thoughts

A food truck business in Dubai is a rewarding opportunity with strong demand and high growth potential. When you follow the right licensing steps, maintain food safety, choose strategic locations, and market consistently, your food truck can become a successful and memorable brand in the city.

Book a Consultation with MajuBiz.